Look back: Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild returned to his alma mater and got off to a surprisingly hot start, leading the Rams to a win over Fresno State in the 2008 New Mexico Bowl. The Rams struggled following the departure of star running back Gartrell Johnson, posting a 3-9 record during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. While the 2009 season featured a long list of close losses, the 2010 season was a bigger disappointment feature more lopsided defeats. Colorado State ended the 2010 season on an especially sour note, falling 44-0 at rival Wyoming. The team’s three wins were against Idaho, UNLV and New Mexico.

Fairchild said he knew 2010 could end up being a bumpy season for the Rams and it lived up to his expectations. The team relied on freshman starting quarterback Pete Thomas to run a pro style offense against challenging defensive lineups. Colorado State’s offense ranked No. 114 out of 120 teams in total offense, scoring 16.5 points per game. The Rams ranked No. 87 in total offense (334.83 yards per game). The defense also struggled, ranking No. 104 in scoring defense (34.67 points allowed per game) and No. 96 in total defense (423.82 yards allowed per game).

Strengths: Fairchild has been aggressive working to address Colorado State’s problems during the past two seasons, reshuffling his lineup of assistant coaches, inviting coaches and professional athletes to give his young team advice, adapting his offseason conditioning program and changing practice times.Thomas returns as the clear leader of the offense and should benefit from more time to study the offense. Offensive linemen Weston Richburg and Paul Madsen should help provide steady protection for the young quarterback.

Colorado State plans to run the 3-4 defense more often, taking advantage of the team’s speed. Linebacker Mychal Sisson is the Rams’ smartest defensive player and strongest performer. He is a playmaker who has the ability to inspire the rest of the defense to step up its play, making him a key senior leader for the Rams.A crop of Orlando players, including receivers T.J. and Bobby Borcky and cornerback Momo Thomas will be competing for significant playing time. Former Dr. Phillips quarterback Nico Ranieri, one of many Orlando players who hoped to have a major impact at Colorado State, was stuck behind Pete Thomas and decided to transfer in search of more playing time.

Weaknesses: The Rams entered the offseason with competition for starting jobs at receiver, running back, tight end, offensive guard, safety and defensive tackle. The team lost its leading rusher, leading receiver and a pair of talented defensive tackles, leaving considerable holes for the Rams to fill. Ranieri’s decision to transfer and Klay Kubiak’s decision to leave the program after graduating early hurt the Rams’ depth at quarterback. Fairchild is working on developing backup quarterbacks this offseason.

Outlook: Fairchild is hoping to lead his team back to a bowl game in 2011, but it will be tough to accomplish the goal with so many players stepping into new starting roles and a challenging schedule.